The cool thing was that book wasn’t advertised as a book, but as engaging content that could lead to a purchase. Because the experience was framed in such an unobtrusive manner, I never developed a mindset that I was being forced to try something new; on the contrary, I was surprised that I could buy a copy of the book for only $23.95.

“For more soul-crushing information in a handsomely bound volume, purchase Our Dumb World: The Onion’s Atlas Of The Planet Earth.”